Impact of Improved Ginger Technologies on the Income of Cooperative Farmers in Southern Kaduna, Kaduna State, Nigeria

This study examined the impact of improved ginger technologies on the income of cooperative farmers in Southern Kaduna, Kaduna State. The study study specifically investigated the effect of Credit, agrochemicals, extension programmes, mechanization of ginger production and farmers’ access to ginger seedling on the income of the farmers. The population of this study was made up of 3020 members of cooperative societies in the area of study. A sample of 353 was determined for the study out of a population 3020. A structured questionnaire was administered to 353 respondents only 301 responded to the questionnaire. The data collected using the questionnaire was analysed using descriptive statistics like frequency and percentages and also inferential statistics such as regression analysis and t-test statistics. All analysis was conducted using SPSS version 23. Findings revealed that all the five coefficients (Credit, agrochemicals, extension programmes, mechanization of ginger production and farmers’ access to ginger seedling) have significant influence on the income of the farmers. The study also found that the joint effect of the explanatory variables- independent variables- in the model account for 0.860 or 86.0% of the variations in the impact of improved ginger technologies on the income of cooperative farmers. Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made: With respect to credit, the study recommends that there is need for the development of supervised agricultural credit scheme by the ministry of agriculture that will ensure consistent availability of credit for ginger production. The farmers need to sustain the adequate use of agrochemicals to ensure increase production and productivity. The ministry of agriculture should carryout regular extension programme to the farmers to ensure adequate diffusion of modern ginger technologies by the farmers. With respect to mechanization of ginger production, there is need for the government to partner with the farmers to ensure full mechanization of ginger production in the area. There is need for adequate farmers’ access to ginger seedlings by the ministry regulating agricultural production in the state. This will help to enhance sales performance and improve quality and market share of private labels.